Designing a Path for the Well-being of Montana’s Future Generations
In 2024, Alternative Energy Resources Organization (AERO), the parent nonprofit to Abundant Montana, celebrates its 50th year! For half a century, its members–farmers, ranchers, and community activists–have worked at the intersection of alternative energy, stewardship agriculture, and community food systems to promote a more sustainable Montana for all. Many resources, policies, and opportunities we rely on today exist due to AERO’s continuous education and engagement in novel and risky arenas. With such a legacy behind AERO, what is in store for the next 50 years?
In 1950, Montana produced 70% of its food supply. Today, that number is down to 3%, an unacceptably low number for an agricultural state that puts the future health and well-being of Montana’s citizens and communities at risk. So, moving forward, AERO and Abundant Montana are committing 100% of their efforts to growing a resilient and reliable Montana food system for all Montanans.
In celebration of this commitment and its 50-year legacy, AERO is dedicating its 2024 annual Expo to promoting the well-being of Montana’s future generations. Join AERO in Billings in October for their 2024 Expo: #FutureGenMT: Designing a Path for the Well-Being of Montana’s Future Generations.
The inspiration for this year’s theme comes from Jane Davidson’s book “#futuregen: Lessons from a Small Country.” Ms. Davidson helped pass the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act of 2015 and wrote the book to support others wanting to make lasting changes where they live.
Wales is the first country in the world to pass legislation requiring public bodies at all levels of government to improve the country’s economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being. The Act requires published objectives and action across seven goals: resiliency, health, equality, cohesive communities, vibrant culture and heritage, global responsibility, and prosperity (including being responsive to climate change).
Encouraged by this example, AERO’s 50th Expo will invite Montanans to think creatively about what this might look like in the state. Specific Expo session tracks will include:
- Montana youth-led initiatives on climate, food/agriculture, Montana’s constitution, and energy
- Elder-led initiatives for the well-being of future generations
- Strategies for growing food in hotter, drier, less predictable weather
- Strategies for getting more Montana food on ALL Montana plates (in fact, 33% by 2033 – see p.XX to read more on this initiative)
- Storytelling workshops that build ambassadorship and connection
- Workshops on creating compelling legislative testimony
Stay Connected and Join Us In Celebrating 50 Years! aeromt.org/event/2024-expo
FIND MORE STORIES LIKE THIS ONE IN OUR LOCAL FOOD GUIDE!